Electronic module access control

Abstract

An example security device is provided herein. The security device includes a lock mechanism and a control mechanism. The lock mechanism is associated with an electronic module. The control mechanism is communicatively coupled to the lock mechanism and the electronic module. The control mechanism uses an authorization mechanism to determine when to activate the lock mechanism and when to inactivate the lock mechanism.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method to control access to an electronic module comprising:
 identifying a request to access the electronic module, the electronic module includes a physical subcomponent of an electronic system;   obtaining authorization of the request using a control mechanism communicatively connected to a lock mechanism that provides access to the electronic module; and   initiating the request after authorization is received.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the request to access the electronic module includes enabling or disabling operation of the electronic module. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising verifying that the lock mechanism is actuated when a request to remove the electronic module is identified. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the authorization of the request includes:
 confirming the request is linked to the electronic module, and   confirming the request contains credentials associated with the electronic module.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the credentials are obtained from at least one authorization mechanisms selected from a biometric sensor and a contactless tag reader. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the request is made via at least one mechanisms selected from a biometric sensor, a contactless tag reader, and an access request button. 
     
     
         7 . A system to securely control access to an electronic module, the system comprising:
 a cage connected to a system board, the cage to receive an electronic module;   a lock mechanism to engage with the electronic module; and   a control mechanism communicatively connected to the lock mechanism and the electronic module to control movement of the lock mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the lock mechanism includes a secure lock pin attached to the system board that extends through the cage and engages with a secure lock on the electronic module. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the control mechanism includes a control panel coupled to the electronic module and a module board electrically connected to the system board. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the control mechanism further includes a control logic to manage communication between the electronic module and the system board. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising an access mechanism associated with the electronic module that provides authorization data. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a secure programming and charging station to provide authorization data to the access mechanism. 
     
     
         13 . A security device to control access to an electronic module that is a physical subcomponent of an electronic system, the security device comprising:
 a lock mechanism associated with the electronic module and coupled to the electronic system; and   a control mechanism communicatively coupled to the lock mechanism and the electronic module, the control mechanism uses an authorization mechanism to determine when to activate the lock mechanism and when to inactivate the lock mechanism.   
     
     
         14 . The security device of  claim 13 , wherein the authorization mechanism includes at least one authorization device selected from a biometric sensor and a contactless tag reader. 
     
     
         15 . The security device of  claim 13 , further comprising an access mechanism programmed to communicate with the control mechanism and to provide authorization data to the control mechanism.